This proposal came after discussions in Saudi Arabia and seeks to initiate negotiations for a lasting peace.
**Ukraine Offers 30-Day Ceasefire, Awaiting Russia's Response**
**Ukraine Offers 30-Day Ceasefire, Awaiting Russia's Response**
Ukraine has proposed an immediate 30-day ceasefire amidst peace talks facilitated by the United States.
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Ukraine has officially expressed readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following talks mediated by the United States in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that the matter is now in Russia's hands. President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that it is crucial for the US to persuade Russia to accept the "positive" offer.
The discussions in Jeddah marked a significant diplomatic effort, as it was the first formal meeting between US and Ukrainian officials after a controversial encounter between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. In a joint statement, both nations reiterated their commitment to establishing a negotiating framework, ensuring that their respective delegations would engage in conversations aimed at a sustainable peace and Ukraine's security.
Rubio stated his hope for a favorable response from Russia, highlighting Ukraine's willingness to halt military aggression in pursuit of dialogue. "Today, we extended an offer that Ukraine has embraced, focusing on an immediate ceasefire and commencing negotiations," he said. The ceasefire proposal extends further than Zelensky's earlier suggestions for restricted hostilities in specific regions.
Currently, Russia occupies about 20% of Ukrainian land, following its full-scale invasion in February 2022. When asked if the relationship between Trump and Zelensky was improving, Rubio stressed that it is peace that should be the priority, not personal dynamics.
The backdrop of these discussions includes ongoing military action, as evidenced by recent drone strikes that killed three individuals in Russian territory. Russia has conveyed its view that Ukraine's rejection of outright diplomacy indicates a disregard for peaceful resolutions.
Furthermore, during these encounters, both nations also touched upon a strategic mineral agreement that would involve the US gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for security assurances. While this was not a focal point of the latest talks, it reflects ongoing negotiations stemming from previous diplomatic tensions.
Pressure continues to mount on Zelensky from the US administration to accept a ceasefire, amidst threats of additional sanctions against Russia. While the war unfolds with persistent violence, the call for a cessation of hostilities remains urgent as casualties rise on both sides.
Ukraine has officially expressed readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, following talks mediated by the United States in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized that the matter is now in Russia's hands. President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that it is crucial for the US to persuade Russia to accept the "positive" offer.
The discussions in Jeddah marked a significant diplomatic effort, as it was the first formal meeting between US and Ukrainian officials after a controversial encounter between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. In a joint statement, both nations reiterated their commitment to establishing a negotiating framework, ensuring that their respective delegations would engage in conversations aimed at a sustainable peace and Ukraine's security.
Rubio stated his hope for a favorable response from Russia, highlighting Ukraine's willingness to halt military aggression in pursuit of dialogue. "Today, we extended an offer that Ukraine has embraced, focusing on an immediate ceasefire and commencing negotiations," he said. The ceasefire proposal extends further than Zelensky's earlier suggestions for restricted hostilities in specific regions.
Currently, Russia occupies about 20% of Ukrainian land, following its full-scale invasion in February 2022. When asked if the relationship between Trump and Zelensky was improving, Rubio stressed that it is peace that should be the priority, not personal dynamics.
The backdrop of these discussions includes ongoing military action, as evidenced by recent drone strikes that killed three individuals in Russian territory. Russia has conveyed its view that Ukraine's rejection of outright diplomacy indicates a disregard for peaceful resolutions.
Furthermore, during these encounters, both nations also touched upon a strategic mineral agreement that would involve the US gaining access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals in return for security assurances. While this was not a focal point of the latest talks, it reflects ongoing negotiations stemming from previous diplomatic tensions.
Pressure continues to mount on Zelensky from the US administration to accept a ceasefire, amidst threats of additional sanctions against Russia. While the war unfolds with persistent violence, the call for a cessation of hostilities remains urgent as casualties rise on both sides.
